South Puget Sound Junior Sports

Happy Holidays!

As our thoughts turn to the holidays, we begin to think about friends, family, parties, presents, and of course lots of great FOOD (and some not so good LOL)! As adults, we tend to worry about the dreaded pounds we will pack on during the holiday season. In reality, studies have shown that the average adult only gains 1, single, solitary pound. Now whether that is due to a fear of overindulgence, hitting the gym extra hard, or avoiding the awful fruit cake your crazy “cat lady” aunt tries to serve you every year remains up for debate.

With youth athletes, the fear of weight gain is less of an issue. What we want to do is try to limit the amount of sweets that your child consumes at one time. When kids load up on the sweets, we tend to see short bursts of hyperactivity, soon followed by the crash that inevitably happens when the sugar wears off. This type of binge eating can lead to some weight gain, upset stomachs, and certainly can lead to unhealthy eating habits.

One way to ensure better nutrition during this holiday season is to encourage your children to graze on small amounts of food throughout the day, instead of gorging on large meals or sugary plates. Along with the cookies, candies, caramel corn, and other sweets, try to put out plates of healthier finger foods. Some great choices are carrots with dip, sliced apple wedges, orange slices, celery with peanut butter & raisins, pickles of any kind, black olives, and of course nuts. The grazing effect increases the metabolism, and helps balance the sugar high that often manifests itself at the worst possible moment, such as a the Christmas party at your boss’ home that is not child proofed (exposed Chihuly glass works)!

If you have managed to survive all of the awkward and uncomfortable work parties, loud family gatherings, or subdued intimate affairs, you will need to get the kids to bed in plenty of time for Santa to make the rounds. Some homeopathic suggestions that will help soothe your athlete and encourage sleep are as follows: 8 oz of pure cherry juice, warm milk, or hot chocolate made with real milk. These drink choices help the body increase melatonin, the natural chemical that the brain releases to induce sleep.

While there are not that many followers….yet, I would like to wish all of you a happy, healthy, and safe Holiday Season. I look forward to a great New Year.

Sincerely,

Todd Smith